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Labor Relations Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Labor Relations information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$56.3K

$107.1K

$160.1K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations in Atlanta, GA is $107,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $122,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is labor relations?

Labor relations refer to the interactions between employers and employees, particularly regarding the negotiation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements, workplace conditions, and dispute resolution. Professionals in labor relations often work to ensure compliance with labor laws, facilitate communication between management and unions, and help resolve conflicts that arise in the workplace. Their goal is to foster a productive work environment while protecting the rights and interests of both employees and employers.

How does a labor relations specialist typically collaborate with management and union representatives to resolve workplace disputes?

Labor Relations specialists act as key intermediaries between management and union representatives, facilitating communication and negotiation during disputes or contract discussions. They often organize and participate in meetings, clarify contract terms, and mediate disagreements to ensure both parties' concerns are addressed fairly and within legal guidelines. This role requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, as well as a thorough understanding of labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. Working closely with HR, legal teams, and union leaders, Labor Relations specialists help maintain a productive and cooperative work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in labor relations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Labor Relations, you need a solid understanding of labor laws, contract negotiation, and conflict resolution, typically supported by a degree in human resources or industrial relations. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), collective bargaining software, and relevant certifications like SHRM or PHR is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These capabilities are crucial for fostering positive employer-employee relationships, ensuring legal compliance, and facilitating productive workplace negotiations.

What is the difference between Labor Relations vs Human Resources?

AspectLabor RelationsHuman Resources
Primary FocusManaging employer-union relationships, collective bargaining, labor agreementsEmployee recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compliance, and employee relations
Work EnvironmentUnionized workplaces, industries with collective bargainingVarious industries, non-unionized settings
Required CredentialsLabor relations certifications, labor law knowledgeHR certifications, general management or business background
Employer UsageLarge organizations with unionized employeesMost organizations, including non-unionized

While both roles involve employee management, Labor Relations primarily focuses on union negotiations and collective bargaining, whereas Human Resources handles overall employee management, policies, and benefits. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals to each area.

What degree do you need for labor relations?

A bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, industrial relations, or a related field is typically required for labor relations roles. Advanced positions may prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications such as the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of employment laws are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Labor Relations jobs in Atlanta, GA?

The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations jobs in Atlanta, GA?

For Labor Relations jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,099 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

MGR LABOR RELATIONS

Atlanta, GA

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
1 - 5K employees

$77K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 
Bachelor's Degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Management, Personnel Management, Business Administration, or related fields. Additional course work in Labor/Management Relations desirable. Minimum of six (6) years progressively responsible experience required in Labor/Employee Relations including grievance handling and arbitration preparation. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to conduct training and prepare economic analysis of contract proposals and related statistical research.  In lieu of education, directly related work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
INTERVIEW SELECTION PROCESS: The selection process may include one or more components to demonstrate applicants' knowledge, skills and abilities in job related areas. These may include exercises such as practical demonstrations, written communications, oral interviews and/or competency assessments.

SUMMARY 
Assists the Assistant General Manager of Labor & Employee Relations in negotiating and administering the Labor Agreement between MARTA and Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 732, and any other recognized labor unions representing MARTA employees.  The Labor Relations Manager manages the relationship between MARTA and Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 732 with oversight from the Assistant General Manager. Acts as a liaison between management and union representatives, focusing on dispute resolution and contract interpretation.  Provides to supervisors and management, interpretation, advice, and instruction related to terms and conditions of the Labor Agreement(s). Responds to grievances; prepares for, represents, and defends the Authority in arbitration proceedings. Performs special projects as assigned. Investigates and resolves matters of significance on behalf of management.  Represents the Authority in handling complaints, arbitrating disputes, and resolving grievances. 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
1. Interprets Labor Agreement(s) for line management; advises supervisors of contract ramifications in their day-to-day operations; solves problems as they arise regarding application of work rules.  Manages the relationship between MARTA and Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 732 with oversight from the Assistant General Manager. 

2.  Develops and conducts union contract training for managers and supervisors. Educates and guides managers and supervisors through the grievance process and on contract interpretation. Provides instruction and training for managers on labor agreement interpretations, arbitration preparation, and strategies for improving labor relations. 

3. Develops and maintains professional working relationship with the Union.  Participates in the negotiations of new labor agreements between MARTA and the union as directed by Assistant General Manager of Labor & Employee Relations. 

4. Investigates and resolves matters of significance on behalf of management. Represents and defends the Authority in arbitration proceedings; researches and develops Authority's position; interviews and prepares witnesses; serves as advocate at hearings.  Represents the Authority in handling complaints, arbitrating disputes, or resolving grievances.

5. Recommends Authority policy and work rules; research data and drafts policies having authority-wide application. Develops processes that allow the labor relations function to improve productivity and scale according to future business needs; champions continuous improvement and quality control efforts and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and standardization.

6. Participates in special projects such as design and implementation of grievance tracking system, providing input for Labor Relations module of HRIS, and formulation of long-range Labor Relations strategy. Maintains grievance log and prepares statistical reports.

7. Maintains all sensitive information in accordance with corporate policies and procedures on confidentiality and the Code of Ethics. 

8. Performs other related duties as assigned, including Transit Ambassador assignments.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervises Labor Relations staff. Interviews, hires, and develops subordinate personnel. Establishes and evaluates performance of employees. Provides feedback, coaches, disciplines, and discharges as appropriate.
 

MARTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Salary Grade -21

Classification -Non-Represented 

Number of Openings - 1

Salary Range -$77,168 - $115,752
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